Adding a rooster to flock

[Pattis Peeps]

I have a flock of 6 Buff Orps. and 6 Blk. Australorps 1 yr old. I have just acquired a 1 yr old. BO Rooster, also 1 yr old. We have had him in an isolated coop away from all the other birds for a week now and plan on another week to be as sure as possible that he is healthy before moving him in with the girls. He was from someone who had LOTS if other different breeds of chickens / fowl and other critters, so wasn't "socialized", but seems to have a good disposition and showing no signs of aggression. We're spending time with him trying to hand feed him. My questions are: is 2 weeks isolation enough? What sort of things should I be looking for in the way of mites/ worms/ or other diseases? Also, what is the best way to introduce him to the ladies for the least amount of stress to all involved? Any other things I should be made aware of? Thanks for your help!

 

[JDMchickens]

In my opinion two weeks is too long to be in isolation, any normal chicken would go crazy without being able to socialise for that long. Now that it has been a week or so you should just let him out to explore your entire flock . Don't be worried if he starts a fight with the existing flock leader, he just wants to establish his authority and that will be done shortly. Roosters don't have a problem with hens, they only have a problem with other roosters.

Hope I've helped

 

[Pattis Peeps]

I agree on the time frame for sanity sake, but what about the disease aspect, mites etc. I had read to always isolate for 2 weeks mainly for disease related reasons. Any ideas on that?

 

[JDMchickens]

When I first got my rooster I checked him form mite (which he didn't have) and fluffed him up with diatome mite powder just in case I missed any. With that done I fed him one scoop of verm x each day for three days to make sure he was worm free. The only reason I kept him in isolation for three days was to make sure he was mited and wormed. It was the fourth day I introduced him to my hens, instantly he tried to breed with my white star and copper black hen but failed and ended up getting into a fight with the flock leader (ranger hen) but this was over in about ten seconds.

Diseases and infections aren't much of a problem with fully vaccinated chickens.